A Word from Mike Hottinger
Last week in her newsletter article, Kae McCaull highlighted the joys of teaching, learning, and serving God in a variety of contexts. She also reminded us of Romans 12, where Paul speaks of the gifts God has blessed us with, and using them to build up His body. I found myself reading the newsletter on a Blue Mountains train home from the city, unwell and excluded from the final day of the Year 9/10 camp. As disappointing as this was, both the train trip and Kae’s article allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the time I had just spent with the students.
From Wednesday to Friday of Week 2, Year 9 and 10 took part in the Urban Challenge Camp. We chartered a bus and met our guides at Milsons Point. From there the students were divided into three teams. Each team member was given a specific role; Caterer, Treasurer, Navigator, etc. We were then set loose on the city with clues in an ‘Amazing Race’ challenge.
We (in no particular order, and among other things) walked across the Harbour Bridge, had lunch in The Rocks, played games on the beach, made a giant pyramid, sang to a shop owner, had a surfing lesson, prepared food for the homeless, went bowling, were given a whole large pizza each for dinner and went on a late night ferry ride. Of all the experiences however, what impressed me the most was how the students worked together. They encouraged each other in their individual roles, they offered to carry the bags of those who were struggling, they cared for members of the general public and in doing all this, they represented Christ and Kuyper Christian School in a way that made us, as participating staff, very proud.
God has given each of us gifts. This experience was an amazing opportunity for us all to learn more about those gifts and how we can use them powerfully, selflessly and with humility to build others up and point them to Jesus. Observing our students and their efforts throughout the week allowed me to contemplate our own responsibilities to each other, and I was reminded of both the depth and simplicity of living life together as God’s people.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Reminders
- This is the last week that you may take advantage of the 5% fee discount if all 2021 fees (excluding Prep fees) and any carried forward balance from 2020 are paid by this Friday. Otherwise, you may arrange to pay your fees using the SchoolEasyPay system. We also accept periodical payments via direct deposit, cheque, cash or EFT. All fees for 2021 must be paid by the last day of Term 4 2021.
- A reminder that you may not stop at all in the bus bay, or indeed within 20 metres of it, as this is unsafe for families and students and in breach of Council road rules.
- The proposed Education Legislation Amendment (Parent Rights) Bill 2020 is before NSW Parliament at the moment. It affirms parents as the primary educators of our children and promotes greater transparency in teaching. NSW Parliament wants to hear from parents and education professionals with your thoughts on the proposed Bill, so they have compiled a survey. We strongly urge you to complete it, by Sunday 28 February, and have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VSPC2FX
Prayer & Praise
- Give thanks for our camps and activities. Pray for participation, connection and learning in God’s world.
- Continue to pray for the Miller family and for Josh. Give thanks for his return to school and ability to be daily involved in activities. Pray for protection and encouragement as he continues this journey.
- Continue to pray for other families in our community who are experiencing sickness and hardship. Petition the Lord for provision and healing, and ask for opportunities to be His hands and feet.
Our next prayer meeting will be held in the Library on 17 March 2021, 7 – 7:30pm.
Meet the Kuyper Team Evening tonight
Thank you to all the parents who responded to our invitation to the Meet the Kuyper Team evening tonight. Come to the Hall where you will be asked to hand sanitise and sign in, and then be shown to your seat. You will hear from the Principal and new staff and have an opportunity to speak with your children’s teachers. You will also hear about our plans for the coming year and enjoy a delicious supper together. We are looking forward to it!